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GRE Verbal Reasoning QUESTION #8122
Question 1
The argument about oxygen levels in Earth's early atmosphere contains two boldface portions. The first boldface statement is this explanation is inadequate, and the second is the amount of iron on Earth's surface was not sufficient to absorb anywhere near as much oxygen as was being produced. Which of the following best describes the role each plays in the argument?
  • The first is a claim made by the argument in support of a certain position; the second is that position.
  • The first is a judgment made by the argument about a certain explanation; the second is that explanation.
  • The first expresses the argument's dismissal of an objection to the position it seeks to establish; the second is that position.
  • The first sums up the argument's position with regard to a certain hypothesis; the second provides grounds for that position.✔️
Correct Answer Explanation
The first boldface sentence (this explanation is inadequate) is the argument's verdict or position on the iron-absorption hypothesis. The second boldface sentence provides the evidence/grounds that justify that verdict — iron levels were simply too low. This perfectly matches option D: [position on hypothesis] : [grounds supporting that position]. Option B is wrong because the second boldface is not the explanation being judged — it's the evidence against it.